A well-rounded teacher, Allen Thompson works with all styles of singing from a place of calm, careful logic. Allen is equally skilled coaxing nervous beginners out of their shell as he is helping polished professionals amp up to the next level in their performances. Over more than a decade of diverse musical projects in a variety of roles, Allen has been a performer, director, pit accompanist, and coach, and has been able to incorporated a wide array of useful skills into his teaching. Allen completed his Master of Music in Voice Performance at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he had also attained his Bachelor degree in Voice Performance. While enrolled, he had the opportunity to participate in various classical performing ensembles including the university chamber singers, university chorale, and the UTEP opera workshop. Simultaneously, however, Allen also performed in a local dinner theatre, where some of his favorite performing credits include appearing as Hedwig from Hedwig and the Angry Inch and as Adam in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Over time, Allen realized a passion for working in other capacities within music and theatre, leading him to Assistant Direct with UTEP's Opera Workshop, and serve as both Director and Music Director for The Last Five Years, a uniquely intimate work of theatre which features pop/rock vocal styling. Allen's high energy and calming focus create a lesson experience which is challenging but supportive. As a teacher, he is able to dismantle complex or abstract ideas into digestible chunks, and build on students' knowledge with intent and clarity of focus, helping them reach their goals quickly and effectively.

Hailing from Nashville, TN, Montez Terrell wrote, recorded, and has performed on many of Nashville's legendary stages including the Hard Rock Cafe and the Grand Ole Opry. Montez has been classically trained, but specializes in contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul, and Jazz. Helping inspire and strengthen those who share his love for music, both young and old, is one of Montez's greatest passions. In pursuit of this vision, Montez began teaching voice in 2014, has led songwriting camps for talented youth, and continues to grow in his own knowledge of music-making and the human voice by pursuing such credentials as certification from New York Vocal Coaching, a training program for ambitious multi-genre voice educators.

A student of the world-renowned (and DC hometown favorite!) Denyce Graves, Lauren Anderson holds a Masters of Music in Voice from Peabody Conservatory. Lauren is thrilled to be teaching at Cardon Studios and excited to work with many different types of students. Lauren's background in vocal pedagogy and classical technique for both voice and piano can be applied to whichever genres her students would like to explore and Lauren loves to find ways to adapt to each student's unique needs. Lauren guides her students to become well-rounded musicians by helping to foster, not only their primary instrument, but also their knowledge in music theory and history. [···]

John Park, a graduate of the University of Maryland, has studied with Drs. Kristina Suter, Alon Goldstein, and Audrey Andrist to obtain a vast knowledge of repertoire and chamber music concert experience. John has participated in prestigious music festivals and competitions such as National Music Festival, Wonderlic Competition, Liszt-Garrison Competition, and International Keyboard Institute Festivall, winning Special Honors from the 2016 Paderewski Competition in Hartford, CT, and finishing in the top 12 during the 2017 New York Piano Festival and Competition. In addition to being a frequent recitalist and passionate performer, John also has a deep love for sharing music with others in an educational setting. [···]

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Being raised in the cultural capital of Russia, Saint Petersburg, afforded Natalia the opportunity to be surrounded by music since early childhood. An invaluable part of her upbringing, Natalia cherishes the exposure she received from an early age which continues to shape her musical sensitivities today. Natalia began playing piano at the age of 6 and went on to graduate from one of the oldest music schools in Saint-Petersburg, which maintains strict foundations in classical traditions and music history. From attending the frequent concerts that her city is famous for, and often performing in them herself, music has maintained a constant for Natalia. Upon moving to the US, Natalia became seriously busy with other disciplines - Philosophy and Design - to help support herself; however never stopped playing, teaching, or singing! Having lived in Washington, DC for over 10 years, Natalia loves the active musical life of our city, very similar to her home in Saint Petersburg. As a teacher, Natalia encourages her students to take advantage of the wonderful accessibility of the arts that we have in our capitol city. She feels that exposure to great artistry, in all genres, is crucial to developing both a student's ear, and also their passion for music, whichever style may interest them most! She credits her own love of music to the wonderfully inspiring experiences these two great cities have given her. Natalia is happy to have the opportunity here to play piano every day and to share her passion with the students.